Tamara Von Gemmingen
Story Created:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:18 AM AKDT
Story Updated:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:18 AM AKDT
Anchorage resident Jack Wright, 75, died March 1, 2008, at Providence Alaska Medical Center of complications from leukemia.
Jack was born April 3, 1932, in Competition, Mo. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1950. Jack served two years in the Air Force. He then met and married Marilyn Jolly of Puyallup, Wash., in 1956.
In November 1957, Jack and Marilyn and five other couples (later known as the six-pack) ventured up the Alaska Highway to work for the Federal Aviation Administration. Jack and Marilyn had four children, all born in Anchorage. He retired from the FAA Air Carrier Division in 1987 and after that, he did consulting work for PenAir. He also served as a bailiff for the Alaska Court System for eight years.
Jack enjoyed a wide variety of activities including fishing in secret locations, running, especially in local races, and playing "liars poker" and other games of chance with his retired buddies.
He served as Worshipful Master of Mount Susitna Lodge 30.
"But his greatest joy was being with his seven grandchildren and the annual hike up Flattop," his family wrote.
The family expresses their gratitude for the "excellent care and compassion that was received from every Providence hospital employee and the doctors that helped Jack."
He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Marilyn; four children and their spouses, Charmaine and Erick Leapaga of Sacramento, Calif., Kim and Noel Tenoso of West Linn, Ore., Teresa and Kevin Blackmore and Jay and Lissa Wright, all of Anchorage; mother, Elizabeth Wright; sister, Ann Crain; brother, Carl Wright; and grandchildren, Denali, Olin and Kayle Blackmore, Andie and Dana Tenoso, and Jack and Kyle Wright.
Donations can be made in Jack's honor to the charity of your choice
